Why is it So Hard to Hire a Good In-House Graphic Designer Now?

Navigating our swiftly digitalizing era, graphic design stands paramount in shaping brand identity and fostering effective communication.

Today, as companies push to carve distinct digital niches, the quest for a good in-house graphic designer intensifies.

Yet, with this growing demand, recruiting the right talent has turned surprisingly complex. What’s behind this recruitment conundrum?

Redefining the ‘Good’ in Graphic Designers

When business owners consider hiring a graphic designer, they often come with preconceived notions of what makes a designer ‘good.’ Let’s debunk these myths:

What is Considered a Good In-House Graphic Designer for Business Owners?

• Racing Against Time: Many employers value designers who can produce work quickly. The faster they churn out designs, the better they’re perceived.
• Proactivity and Initiative: Designers who constantly come up with ideas, even if unsolicited, are seen as assets.
• Incessant Creativity: The stereotypical designer is expected to be a ceaseless fountain of creativity, with a never-ending stream of innovative ideas.
• Willingness to Work Overtime: In Singapore’s fast-paced work culture, many equate dedication with the readiness to work beyond regular hours.

The Reality: What a Good In-House Graphic Designer Truly Should Be

• Quality Over Speed: A designer’s worth shouldn’t be gauged by how quickly they can deliver but by the quality and thoughtfulness of their work. Rushing can compromise the design’s effectiveness.
• Strategic Creativity: Proactivity is valuable, but not all unsolicited ideas align with the brand’s strategy. A good designer understands the brand and its objectives before venturing into new creative territories.
• Creativity Requires Rest: Innovation isn’t a 24/7 process. It requires periods of rest, reflection, and rejuvenation. Expecting ceaseless creativity can lead to burnout and subpar work.
• Work-Life Balance: A designer who frequently works overtime might be overburdened or inefficient. Continuous long hours can lead to reduced productivity and diminished creative quality.

The Mismatch in Expectations and Reality

Fast-paced corporate culture often emphasizes results and productivity. This mindset, when applied to the creative process, can create a disconnect between employers and designers. Employers may prioritize immediate results, while designers value the time and space to cultivate creativity.

The Employer’s Expectation:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Often, businesses in Singapore, especially startups and SMEs, operate with tight budgets. They expect high-quality designs without wanting to invest significantly in an in-house designer’s salary or resources.
• Adaptability: Given the diverse nature of Singapore’s market, businesses expect designers to cater to multiple ethnicities, cultures, and languages. They want a ‘jack of all trades.’
• Immediate ROI: Just like any other investment, when businesses hire an in-house designer, they anticipate an immediate return on investment, often in the form of increased brand visibility or sales.

The Designer’s Reality:

• Value Proposition: Good designers know their worth. With the rising cost of living in Singapore and the intensive training and skills they possess, they expect fair compensation that matches their expertise.
• Specialization vs. Generalization: While adaptability is a strength, expecting a designer to be an expert in every aspect of design is unrealistic. Specialized designers can often deliver deeper insights and better results in their area of expertise.
• Long-term Vision: Design is not just about immediate results. It’s about building a brand’s identity, voice, and presence in the market. The benefits of good design manifest over time, not overnight.

The Rise of Freelancing and Remote Work

The work landscape has seen a transformative shift towards freelancing. According to a study by Upwork, freelancers are predicted to become the U.S. workforce majority within a decade, with nearly 50% of millennials already freelancing.

This trend is particularly prevalent among graphic designers. The freedom to choose projects, flexible working hours, and the potential for a varied income make freelancing exceptionally alluring. In this changing paradigm, the traditional 9-5 in-house role sometimes pales in comparison.

Evolving Skill Set Expectations

With the burgeoning digital landscape, businesses aren’t just looking for a graphic designer; they often want a UI/UX expert, a branding specialist, and sometimes even a motion graphics maestro rolled into one.

The Principles of Design have broadened and with them, the expertise expected from designers. The demand for multifaceted skills often narrows down the pool of truly qualified in-house designer candidates.

The Competitive Landscape of the Job Market

While there’s a surge in the number of graphic design graduates, not all are immediately ready to cater to complex business needs.

A report from AIGA, the professional association for design, stated that there were over 200% more graphic design graduates than available positions in 2020. Filtering through this sea to find that one perfect fit can be like searching for a needle in a haystack.

The Shift to Project-Based Needs

More businesses are realizing they don’t need a full-time designer; they need specific skills for specific projects.

This episodic demand aligns better with freelance or on-demand design agency than with a permanent in-house role. The financial benefits of this approach are undeniable, offering companies budget flexibility without compromising on design quality.

Cultural and Team Fit Challenges

Every company harbors a unique culture. Finding a perfect designer who resonates with this culture, understands the brand essence, and seamlessly fits into the existing team is a daunting task.

Industry chatter suggests a rising trend in job-hopping among designers, further exacerbating recruitment challenges.

Salary Expectations and Budget Constraints

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a graphic designer in the U.S. is around $50,000, with top designers commanding over $85,000.

In Singapore, according to salary benchmarking portals, the average salary for a graphic designer is around SGD $45,000, with top designers commanding upwards of SGD $70,000.

When you factor in benefits, bonuses, and other perks customary in the Singapore job market, many SMEs find it challenging to attract top talent. The situation becomes even more competitive when local tech giants and multinational corporations offer comprehensive packages that smaller businesses might struggle to match.

The Allure of Tech Giants and Startups

Tech giants have a two-fold appeal: financial stability and the lure of working on globally recognized products.

On the other end of the spectrum, startups, especially in the tech and digital sectors, offer equity, fostering a sense of ownership and potential for significant future earnings. These propositions can often overshadow the offerings of traditional businesses.

The Role of Modern Design Education

The broad-based curriculum of modern design education sometimes spreads budding designers too thin. Traditional academic structures might not always cater to the fast-paced evolution of the industry, leading to a disparity between academic knowledge and practical applicability.

This widens the gap between industry needs and fresh graduates, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and upskilling.

The Solution? Exploring Alternatives

Businesses, instead of diving deep into the hiring pool, are now looking at a new type of agency like TripleGrowth, which not only offer expert graphic design services but also cater to a broader range of graphic needs. They provide the expertise of an in-house designer without the long-term commitment and overhead costs.

They are adaptable, aligning with the business’s pace and can pivot as requirements change. Additionally, they’re often more attuned to the latest design trends globally, ensuring that the designs remain fresh and relevant.

Another potential solution lies in continuous training and development. Investing in existing talent, re-skilling, and upskilling can sometimes bridge the skill gap without the exhaustive recruitment process.

The journey to hire a good in-house graphic designer is paved with challenges, from the changing work culture to evolving skill demands. However, with adaptability and a keen eye on industry shifts, businesses can still navigate these waters, whether through traditional recruitment or by exploring alternative solutions.

As the lines between roles blur and the design landscape evolves, one thing remains clear: the value of good design is indisputable.